God of Carnage
July 16, 2011
Director: Tricia Lackey
Cast: Iain Stewart, Nicole Power, Patrick Foran, Cara Pantalone
Stephenville Theatre Festival’s production of “God of Carnage,” a 2009 Tony Award-winning comedy by Yazmina Reza, provides an entertaining and humorous look at the human condition for local theatre-enthusiasts.
The play revolves around two sets of parents who meet to politely discuss a playground mishap between their two 11-year-old sons. As the evening continues, conversations become more child-like and uncivilized – and ultimately result in total bedlam.
There’s a modern yet timeless feeling to the script, which helps the audience relate to what’s happening with the characters. Parenthood, technology, culture, gender and marriage are but a few of the subjects explored with humour and wit throughout this one-act play.
Each of the actors handle their roles well, providing a wide-range of emotions that are easily believed – especially given the close proximity to those viewing the show.
Audience members will likely be surprised when they arrive at the Arts and Culture Centre and find they won’t be sitting next to the stage. Rather, they’re on the stage – with seating provided around the performance area.
This likely provided some challenges for the show’s director, as there are times when some audience members are no more than a few inches away from the action. The actors must (and do) hit their marks, making it seem as though the audience members are a bunch of flies on the wall.
That said, being so close also means there might be times when some of the action is blocked from view. This is to be expected while viewing live theatre – but if an audience member finds themselves sitting behind another with an imposing stature, then two or more of the characters might be obscured.
As well, the show doesn’t make use of microphones. If an audience member not in direct earshot, they might find themselves straining to hear what’s going on when the actors aren’t facing their seating area.
The only other minor quibble about “God of Carnage” would be in the costuming of Alan (played by Iain Stewart). The other actors are suitably dressed to help showcase their individual characters, but if the audience is to believe Alan is a high-powered New York attorney, then dressing him in a mismatched poly-blend suit just doesn’t work.
While musical revues might be popular with current audiences, it’s good to see Stephenville Theatre Festival keeping with its roots by providing quality theatre – and their production of “God of Carnage” is worth seeing this summer. The show runs again July 28, Aug. 6, 10 and 12.
